theta rhythm

noun

: a relatively high amplitude brain wave pattern between approximately four and nine hertz that is characteristic especially of the hippocampus

called also theta wave

Examples of theta rhythm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The firing patterns of place cells repeat about eight times per second in rats, forming what is called the theta rhythm. —Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 8 June 2023

This theta rhythm, as it’s called, occurs in all animals that have been studied, including humans. —Greg Miller, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2022

Mamelak and Rutishauser found that if a neuron’s response to an image synchronizes with a type of brain wave called a theta rhythm, the person is much more likely to remember what was shown. —Amy Barth, Discover Magazine, 29 Mar. 2010

In contrast, the alternations that the UCSF team identified were precisely aligned with every other cycle of the theta rhythm. —Quanta Magazine, 24 Feb. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

theta rhythm

noun

the·​ta rhythm

ˈthāt-ə-, British usually ˈthēt-ə-

: a relatively high amplitude brain wave pattern between approximately 4 and 9 hertz that is characteristic especially of the hippocampus but occurs in many regions of the brain including the cortex

called also theta, theta wave